Learning to Improvise… Chapter 2

by Katherine

Chris Larabee watched as Ezra rode away, leaving Vin to fill him in on what happened on the trip to Bitter Creek. Ezra had been quick to offer to take care of Peso. It wasn’t obvious, but Chris knew the conman was uncomfortable in his presence. Ezra never let down his guard around Chris. He wasn’t afraid, of that Chris was certain, more like wary and vigilant.

At first, Chris had wanted the gambler to be on edge. He didn’t trust the man, and wanted him to know that he was being watched, his every word and action were suspect. But lately, it had begun to bother him that one of his men would avoid him rather than ask for help. It wasn’t right that one of his men thought Chris would let him hang if push came to shove. He found it unnerving that after working with him for a year, Ezra seemed to consider him more of an enemy than an ally.

The Texan’s eyes followed Ezra to the stable. Chris frowned. "Somethin’ wrong?" I know Ezra can handle Peso. Hell, Standish is the only one other than Vin that damn horse hasn’t tried to trample.

"Nope." Vin shifted his gaze. His sky blue eyes met Chris’ darker blue gray. Chris nodded, reading the truth of Vin’s statement, but noting there was something more. Nothing was wrong, but maybe not everything is all right.

"Got a telegram from the sheriff in Bitter Creek. Said ya brought in two men." The telegram Vin had sent said only that he and Ezra had made it to Bitter Creek. The sheriff, Tom Wilton, had sent a telegram the next day giving more information and letting JD know when to expect them back.

Vin nodded. "Hoskins had friends. Met up with ‘em on the trail."

"Any trouble?" Chris hadn’t noticed any injuries on either Vin or Ezra. But knowing how well those two hid things, it wouldn’t surprise him if they had lost a limb and managed to keep it a secret.

Vin shrugged. "Nothin’ me and Ez couldn’t handle, Cowboy."

Chris nodded. He wasn’t surprised to hear that. Whatever his misgivings about Ezra the man could handle himself in firefight. "Sheriff said ya brought four dead men too."

Vin leaned against the porch railing. "Yep."

Chris let it go. He wasn’t going to get any more information from Vin. Wonder if I asked Standish if I’d get more. Man can talk like nobody’s business, but he don’t say a damn thing.

"Let’s get a drink." Vin nodded and followed Chris to the saloon.

"Anythin’ happen in town?"

Chris shook his head. "Nothing much. Things have been pretty quiet lately." Chris was hoping they would stay that way. He liked the peace and quiet.

"Buck got patrol?"

"Yeah. He should be back in another hour."

Chris and Vin stepped into the saloon. Vin sauntered over to their usual table, while Chris stopped at the bar to get a bottle of whiskey and two shot glasses from Inez. He slid into his chair and passed Vin a glass.

"Ya sign me up for the mornin’ patrol?" Vin asked as he poured himself a drink.

He nodded. Morning patrol was usually taken by Chris or Vin. Occasionally Josiah, JD or Nathan would take on that shift, but not very often. Chris used to assign the early morning shift to Ezra when he was pissed at the cardsharp. But he had finally realized that it was more aggravation than it was worth to get Ezra out of bed that early. The gambler had no problem taking late evening. In fact he was the one Chris routinely assigned the midnight to morning shift. Knowing Vin and Ezra would be back today, Chris figured he might as work them back into the rotation.

"Ya got Ez workin’ tonight then?"

"No. Josiah and JD already got it covered. Ezra has tomorrow night."

Vin nodded. He sat back, and sipped his drink. Chris noticed when he made a face. "Somethin’ wrong?"

"Not as good as brandy."

Chris didn’t quite know what to make of that comment. Brandy? What the hell? Chris shrugged mentally and let it go.

Vin tipped his chair back on two legs. Chris enjoyed the companionable silence between them. He’d missed the Texan over the last few days. He missed Vin’s calm, laid back attitude, and having someone to share his coffee with in the morning. If he were honest with himself he missed the flamboyant gambler too. The saloon didn’t seem quite the same without Ezra holding court at his usual table.

Speak of the devil. Ezra entered the saloon. He casually scanned the room. But Chris knew his study was anything but casual. Chris did the same thing often enough to know Ezra had just categorized every person in the room in terms of their identity, position, and possible threat.

Ezra headed for the bar. He spoke to Inez for a moment. She laughed lightly at something he said, and then handed him a bottle and a glass. Ezra tipped his hat to her, before making his way across the room to join Vin and Chris.

"Mr. Larabee. Mr. Tanner."

"Standish."

"Ez."

Ezra sat down in the chair next to Vin. He poured himself a glass of what Chris figured had to be Scotch. Ezra wouldn’t drink whiskey if there were Scotch on hand. Chris knew for a fact that Inez had just gotten a shipment in today. She ordered it especially for Ezra, and adamantly refused to give a bottle to anyone else. Inez said it was Ezra’s private stock.

"If you want a drink of it, you will simply have to ask Senor Standish for it." She told him tartly every time he’d ask. Chris had never asked Ezra because he was certain the man wouldn’t share.

"Ya get Peso put away okay?" Vin asked.

"Yes, Mr. Tanner. Your fractious mount is safe and sound in his own stall."

"He give ya trouble?"

Chris was surprised to hear a genuine note of concern in Vin’s voice. Normally the tracker didn’t worry much about how Peso behaved. Sometimes, Chris was convinced he encouraged that damn horse to act up.

"He was a perfect gentlemen." Ezra smirked and shot a look at Vin that Chris couldn’t interpret. "Unlike his owner."

Chris raised an eyebrow when Vin ducked his head, and blushed. Wonder what that’s all about. He couldn’t remember ever seeing Vin blush before.

Vin cleared his throat, and downed the remainder of his drink. He tipped his head toward Ezra’s bottle. "That better’n brandy?"

Ezra raised a shoulder in a move far to elegant and precise to be called a shrug. "Scotch is something of an acquired taste, Mr. Tanner. It is as different from brandy, as brandy is from the rotgut whiskey you just finished."

• • Vin nodded. "But is it better?"

"I prefer it, but to know for certain if you would agree with that assessment, you would have to try it for yourself. Everyone’s palate is a bit different."

• • Vin held his empty glass out toward Ezra. "Can I?"

Ezra tapped a finger against his lower lip. "The correct question is ‘may I?’, Mr. Tanner. And certainly you may." To Chris’ astonishment Ezra filled Vin’s glass.

Ezra raised his glass to touch Vin’s and then with a quick swallow he downed his drink. Vin cautiously sipped his drink. He smiled. "Nice. Smooth. But I think I like brandy better."

Chris stared. Ezra arched one eyebrow sardonically. "Yes, Mr. Larabee?"

What the hell? Worst he can do is say no. "May I have a drink of that?"

Ezra tipped his head, seemed to consider his request of a moment, and then filled Chris’ glass. Chris sipped it and closed his eyes. Man, that is good. Haven’t had aged scotch in years. "That’s good, Ez. Real good."

Ezra nodded, and then picked up his bottle. He stood up, adjusting his clothing with a few deft movements until they lay perfectly. "Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me, I think a bath might be in order before I partake in a game or two of chance this evening."

"Thanks for the drink, Ez."

"You are welcome, Mr. Tanner." Ezra hesitated for just a moment. He glanced toward Chris, and then turned away. Just that quickly he was gone.

Chris stared after him, and then looked at Vin. Vin continued to sip his scotch. "How did you do that?"

"Do what, Cowboy?"

"Get him to share. The selfish bastard has never offered to share a drop of his private stock before."

Vin’s eyes narrowed. "Ya ever ask him to?" His voice was cold and hard.

Chris blinked, surprised by the sudden change in Vin’s demeanor. "No."

Vin nodded. "Well then, there ya go." Vin said calmly, his tone matter of fact.

"That simple?" Chris frowned. Nothing with Standish is ever simple.

Vin shrugged. "Sometimes. Amazin’ what ya get when ya ask for it." Vin sipped his drink again. His blue eyes measured Chris with an appraising look. "Ain’t like you’ve ever bought him a drink either, Cowboy."

Chris scowled not liking where this was going. "Meaning?"

"Why should he offer ta share with ya? Ain’t like you’d be willin’ ta do the same. As it is, ya didn’t even thank him for the one he did give ya."

Chris opened his mouth to deny it, but realized Vin was right. He’d bought drinks for the others in the past. Hell, he’d just bought Vin a drink a few minutes ago. But he never once offered to buy one for Ezra. Never offered to share a bottle with him.

"Man can afford to buy his own damn drink." Chris growled, trying to justify his actions. An’ why the hell should I thank him? Man must have a dozen bottles o’ that scotch, but he’s too miserly ta share more than one drink.

Vin raised an eyebrow. "I can’t buy my own? Buck is broke? Josiah and Nathan too?"

"When Ezra takes all their money playing poker they are lucky to have two nickels to rub together."

Vin brought his chair forward, sitting squarely on all four legs. "Ez doesn’t TAKE their money. They’re dumb enough to play week after week. He don’t force them ta sit down and play. They’re grown men. They make their choices. If they wanna keep their money they ought ta know better than to gamble with it. Every game has a winner and a loser, ya’d think they’d have figured that out by now. If they ain’t prepared ta lose then they should know better than ta sit down at the table and ante up."

Chris sat back, surprised by Vin’s vehement defense of the gambler. It was also the most words he’d ever heard the reticent tracker say at one time. Ignoring for the moment the fact that the Texan was right, Chris asked, "Why are you all of a sudden defending him?"

Vin pushed his chair back. "Because it’s about damn time someone did. We’re s’posed to be a team, Cowboy." Vin got up. "Ain’t right, and it ain’t fair, ta treat Ez different than we treat each other." Vin slammed his glass down on the table, and left heading out the back way.

Chris sighed, and rubbed his forehead. That went well. Was I thinking I missed them?

He regarded the glass in front of him. With a shrug he finished, his drink enjoying the smooth taste of well-aged single malt. Vin’s right. Ezra doesn’t force the others to play with him. And before today I never thought to just ask him for a drink. Knew I treated him different, but didn’t think it was over little shit. Figured it was jus’ when it came ta the job, or money.

Chris shook his head. He wasn’t sure he knew how to fix this. Hell, until two minutes ago I didn’t even know it was broken. Chris sighed again, and successfully resisted the urge to bang his head against the table.

+ + + + + + +

Vin woke at his usual time shortly before dawn. He breathed in deeply before opening his eyes. He smiled, enjoying the scent of Ezra. Sandalwood, lavender, and somthin’ that is just him.

They had agreed to maintain their normal routines, so Vin had left the saloon last night at his usual hour. But instead of heading for his wagon, he had slipped up the back stairs. He snuck into Ezra’s room using the key Ezra had given him, careful to make sure no one saw him. He knew Ezra would stay in the saloon until closing time, playing poker, and then helping Inez clean up.

Vin had been stunned when Ezra offered him the key yesterday morning as they broke camp. "Won’t ya need it?"

Ezra shrugged, and grinned, dimples flashing, gold premolar visible. "I can pick the lock. I thought you might want to access my room without drawing attention by knocking." Ezra had placed a warm, gentle kiss on his lips. It was a promise of more to come.

"It wouldn’t do to have you skulking in the corridor like some villain either. And there is no reason for you not to enjoy the comforts of my bed while you await my arrival."

Vin had looped a rawhide cord through the key and hung it around his neck, tucking it safely out of view inside his shirt. Throughout the day, he raised a hand to pat it just to make certain it was still there. There was something reassuring about having real, tangible proof Ezra wanted them to continue their ‘liaison’. Not that the conman had given any indication he didn’t, it was just nice to have something solid to hold on to.

Vin had slipped silently up the stairs and into Ezra’s room unobserved. He lit the lamp on the bedside table, but kept it low. He spent several minutes just wandering around Ezra’s room. The only time he’d been there before was to wake the gambler, and that had been more of a duck and run experience, leaving him with little more of an impression rather than specific details.

Unlike the other boys, Ezra’s room was well ordered, and clean. His clothes hung neatly in the closet, or were stored in the dresser. There was nothing lying scattered around the floor. Even the bed was made.

The room should have had an impersonal feel, but it didn’t. There were traces of Ezra’s scent that lingered in the air. The rocking chair near the window added a homey touch. Vin could picture his lover sitting there reading or just watching the street. The quilt folded, and lying at the foot of the bed, was a bit frayed and looked like it had seen a lot of use. Vin ran his hands over it, and knew immediately why Ezra kept it. Soft.

Vin noticed several books stacked in one corner. Curious he’d picked up one. He’d been working diligently on learning to read with Mrs. Travis when she had time. But he found Ezra to be a better teacher.

Ezra had come to him after laughing about his poetry and apologized, repeatedly. He had been ashamed of his behavior and had wanted to make up for doing what he called an ‘unconscionable act better suited to a cretin than a comrade’. He had offered to make it up to Vin.

Vin knew the gambler had been drunk, and decided to cut him some slack. He should have known better than approach the man when he was in that state. So he asked Ezra to teach him to read as a way to make it up to him. He hadn’t honestly expected the gambler to take him up on it. To his surprise, Ezra was more than willing to do so. For several months, he had secretly helped Vin struggle with the learning process, patiently teaching him to read and write.

Vin had stopped going to Ezra when he realized that his attraction to the gambler was growing, and being alone with him made it hard to concentrate. He had decided it was better to stay away before he did something he’d regret. Before he lost control and did something that would damage the growing friendship between them.

Vin was proud of the fact that, thanks to Ezra, he could make his way through most of the Clarion now without too much difficulty. He frowned studying the book he held. He couldn’t make heads or tails of the writing on the book he held. Huh. Letters are all backwards. Vin picked up another book to compare them. He could read the title on the second book. Have ta ask Ez what the other one says.

Vin slipped out of his boots, and hung his jacket over the rocking chair. He made himself comfortable on the bed, settling in to wait for Ezra. When Ezra had slipped into the room later that night, Vin had woken from his light sleep immediately. He hadn’t recognized who Ezra was at first, and greeted him by pointing his mare’s leg at him. Ezra raised an eyebrow. Vin shrugged, unapologetic.

"Sorry, Ez. Old habit." It was a habit that had kept him alive too long to quit.

"My fault. I should have announced myself. I shall remember to do so in the future."

Vin liked the sound of that. It was tacit permission to come back as often as he liked. And Vin intended to spend a lot of time with Ezra.

"Browsing through my library?" Ezra nodded toward the books Vin had left on the bed.

"Ya don’t mind do ya?" Vin wondered if he shouldn’t have been quite so free in his examination of Ezra’s things.

"No. I don’t mind. Feel free to avail yourself to anything you find interesting." Ezra slipped out of his jacket and moved to hang it up in the closet. He undid his string tie leaving it on the dresser, and hung his hat on the mirror post. Ezra unbuttoned his cuffs, as he moved toward the bed.

"What struck your fancy?"

Vin held up the book whose title he’d been unable to read. Ezra looked at him in surprise. "I would not have thought you’d be able to read this one."

"I can’t." Vin tried to hide his embarrassment at not being able to.

Ezra reached out, putting a knuckle under Vin’s chin, gently forced his head up. "Nothing to be ashamed of. The reason you can’t read it is because it is written in Greek. Not English."

"Greek?" Vin felt better hearing that. It wasn’t his fault he couldn’t read it.

Ezra smiled softly. "Yes. It is Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. It has been translated many times, but I prefer to read the original."

Vin frowned. "Ya didn’t tell me you could speak Greek." Ezra had told him he could speak French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. He hadn’t mentioned Greek.

Ezra chuckled. "That’s because I can’t. I can read it. But I am not able to speak it with any degree of fluency. Certainly not to the same extent as the other languages I’d told you about."

Probably speaks it better’n I do English. Wonder what he figures it takes to be fluent. Vin tapped the book. "What’s it about?
Ezra smiled. "The first part, the Iliad, is about a war between the Greek city-states, and Troy. The second, the Odyssey, is about one man’s long journey to get home after the war is over."

Vin frowned. "This war recent?" He’d never heard of Troy. Only war he knew anything about was the one he’d fought in.

"No. The story is ancient. A classic. Part history, part myth and legend. No one really knows for certain how much of it is real and how much is simply invention."

Vin nodded. He put the book aside. He wasn’t interested in it anymore. Not when Ezra had started undoing the buttons of his vest, and then his shirt.

Vin licked his lips remembering the bout of lovemaking they had engaged in. He stretched, easing stiff muscles, careful not to disturb Ezra. Just when he thought it couldn’t get any better, Ezra went and added something new.

Ez really has a knack for teachin’. And I mean more than just readin’. Vin grinned at that thought. He enjoyed these lessons a lot. He was looking forward to the next one.

Vin sighed. Wish our normal routine included me hangin’ out in bed with Ez. He’s right ‘bout this feather bed. Thing is real comfortable. Can see why he don’t want ta get up in the mornin’. Vin couldn’t remember sleeping better. Course it might be the company, and not jus’ the bed.

His shift on patrol would start soon, and he needed to get dressed and get moving before he was late. He didn’t want anyone to see him sneaking out of Ezra’s room. Vin reluctantly pulled away from the warm body he’d been wrapped around. Ezra made a sleepy sound of discontent. Vin placed a kiss on his shoulder.

"Shh…it’s okay."

Ezra shifted and rolled toward Vin, his green eyes opening. "Good morning." Ezra’s normally smooth drawl was rough with sleep.

Vin smiled, and ran his fingers though Ezra’s sleep tousled hair. "Mornin’."

Ezra sighed, closed his eyes, and moved closer to Vin, eliminating the distance Vin had created just a minute ago. As much as he enjoyed the feel of Ezra snuggled in close, Vin knew he couldn’t stay. "I gotta go, Ez."

"Okay." Ezra didn’t move.

"I got patrol."

"Hhmmm." Ezra nodded his head against Vin’s shoulder.

Vin chuckled, and pulled away. Ezra didn’t try to restrain him, but his green eyes opened to follow every move he made. Vin slid out of bed, and gathered up his clothes. After making sure he’d put the key around his neck for safe keeping, he quickly got dressed. Vin made a point of not looking at Ezra as he did, knowing he’d be unable to finish the job if he did.

Ezra clucked his tongue. "A shame to see such beauty hidden away from view."

Vin looked over his shoulder. "Ain’t beautiful."

Ezra arched an eyebrow. "I am afraid that I must disagree. You are the embodiment of perfection."

Vin blushed. He was flattered that Ezra thought he was nice to look at, but he didn’t think of himself that way. "Women are beautiful. Not men."

Ezra smirked at him, green eyes sparkling with amusement and affection. "Nonsense. Beauty is not limited by gender. Both men and women can be beautiful. And you, Mr. Vin Tanner, are most definitely beautiful."

Vin shrugged. "If ya say so."

Ezra nodded firmly. "I say so."

Vin pulled on his boots, and then stepped back to the bed. He leaned in and placed a warm, gentle kiss on Ezra’s lips. He was careful to keep the kiss from getting too deep or passionate. It was just a little morning hello and a tender good-bye. No point in startin’ somethin’ we can’t finish.

"When will you be back?" Ezra asked when Vin forced himself to let go.

"Should be back by noon."

Ezra stretched, and pulled the covers up as he snuggled back into the bed. He didn’t normally put in an appearance until mid-morning, so it didn’t surprise Vin that his lover looked to be settling in to stay for a while. "Vin…Would you care to meet me for lunch?"

"Would love to." It wasn’t uncommon for any or all of the seven to meet up for lunch. The two of them getting together wouldn’t seem out of the ordinary. Vin tucked the covers in closer, knowing how much Ezra hated being cold. He caressed Ezra’s cheek as he did so. "I’ll see ya soon."

Vin slipped out silently, careful to go out and down the back stairs unseen. He headed for the jail first to check in. Josiah greeted him.

"Good morning, brother Vin." The ex-preacher was sipping a cup of coffee and saluted Vin with his cup.

"Mornin’, Josiah." Vin headed to the small stove and poured a cup of coffee from the pot resting on the top. He sipped the bitter brew, mindful that it would be hot. "Things quiet?"

Josiah nodded. "Did my last round just half an hour ago. No sign of trouble."

The midnight to morning shift consisted of making regular rounds through town checking the buildings and alleys, seeing to it the saloon and its patrons shut down peacefully. Vin preferred the morning shift, not just because he was an early riser, but also because that shift usually meant riding out of town and checking the outlying ranches.

"Saloon close up okay?" If there were problems at all that was where they usually started. Vin hadn’t heard anything, and he knew Ezra would have said something last night if there had been trouble. But it was a routine question, so Vin felt obligated to ask Josiah.

"Yes. No trouble at all." Josiah smiled. "Things there are usually calmer there when Ezra is around."

Glad I’m not the only one who noticed Ezra keeps things quieter there. Ez can jus’ put a stop to it ‘fore it gets outta hand. Vin paused trying to remember the word Ezra had used. De—something. Got it. Defuse. Said it was similar ta keepin’ dynamite from explodin’.

Chris stepped through the door. Vin had already poured a cup for him and handed it to him. Chris tipped his head and nodded his thanks.

Josiah stood and stretched his arms high over his head. He scratched the stubble on his chin. "If you boys will pardon me….I’m," Josiah yawned widely, "going to bed."

"G’night, Josiah. Sleep well." Chris offered with a faint smile. The larger man just tipped his head, and headed out the door. Vin knew he would be in the church until mid-morning. Probably’ll surface ‘bout the same time as Ez.

Vin finished his coffee. He moved to follow Josiah out the door when Chris stopped him. "Vin?"

"Yeah, Cowboy?" Vin turned to look at Chris and waited.

The blond gunslinger hesitated. "I’m sorry."

Vin frowned. "Fer what?"

"Yesterday."

"Ain’t me you owe an apology to." Vin kept his voice neutral and non-judgemental.

"I know." Chris nodded. "I’m gonna try and make it up to him." Chris made a wry face. "Don’t know how, but…" Chris sipped his coffee, and shook his head. "He say somethin’ to you on that trip?"

Cowboy, you have no idea. But none o’ that has anything ta do with what yer askin’. Vin didn’t even blink at Chris’ question. He understood where the gunslinger was coming from. His defense of Ezra yesterday was bound to raise an eyebrow, but he just couldn’t sit back and let Chris belittle the gambler.

"He thinks y’all don’t trust him."

Chris sighed. "I do trust him."

"Then maybe ya should act like ya do." Vin pointed out calmly.

Chris pursed his lips thinking about that, and then nodded. "He say anythin’ else?"

"Plenty, but nothin’ I’m gonna tell you."

The gunslinger looked at Vin in surprise. Vin shrugged. "Ya want ta know somethin’, Cowboy, ask him. He might jus’ surprise ya. ‘Sides, you would do better ta hear it from him. Talkin’ ta me ain’t gonna fix the problems ya got with him."

Vin looked toward the clock. It was time he got going. "I’ll see ya later."

"Be careful." Chris warned, his expression thoughtful. Vin knew that what he’d said had hit home. Maybe he’ll set things straight with Ez. Hope so.

"Always am." Got even more reason ta make sure I come home in one piece. Ezra will be waitin’.

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